Accounting Specialist - Soft Cost

About The Company

Built on a foundation of integrity, respect, and commitment, JPI stands out as one of the most active real estate developers and builders in the nation.  For more than 35 years, JPI has designed and developed communities with best-in-class homes and amenities. JPI is committed to data-driven management and continuous improvement. Its team of experts utilizes data – including unparalleled market research, proven business processes, and proprietary models – to ensure that every decision is strategic, focused, and produces exceptional multifamily communities with the best risk-adjusted returns. More than just great communities, JPI is focused on leaving a lasting impact on the communities where we build and is continually committed to “Building What Matters.”  JPI operates as a subsidiary of Sumitomo Forestry, which is recognized as one of the largest home builders in the United States.

About the Job.
The Accounting Specialist – Soft Costs is responsible for end-to-end soft cost processing and reporting within Workday. This role owns the creation and management of purchase orders (POs), invoice review/approvals, and the internal monthly billback process, ensuring accuracy, compliance with policy, and timely period close for all soft cost. The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, comfortable partnering across operations, legal and accounting teams and proficient in Workday financials.

Essential Functions & Responsibilities

Cultural Representation

• Act as a representative and advocate of JPI’s Culture and Guiding Principles. 

• Maintain a close working relationship with members of leadership and have knowledge of company activities on a corporate level.   

Communication & Coordination

• Partner closely with Operations, Development, and accounting teams to ensure soft costs are properly planned, coded, approved, paid and billed back to the appropriate JPI Entity. 

• Responsible for performing all soft cost Vendor Setup, POs, invoices, and billbacks, providing clear guidance on processes and documentation requirements.

• Liaise with vendors and service providers, as needed, to support invoice resolution and compliance with PO terms.

• Development and refinement of training materials, SOPs, and job aids related to soft cost accounting processes.

Operational & Administrative Excellence

• Purchase Order Management

  • Create, review, and maintain purchase orders in Workday, ensuring appropriate approvals, accurate coding, and budget alignment. 

  • Collaborate with Contracts Manager to ensure overall budget values throughout the project life cycle align with Written executed contract/addendums/amendment/change orders.  Including tracking PO lifecycle activity, including amendments/change orders, receipts, and closures.

• Invoice Review and Approvals

  • Invoices sent to OSV for three-part match.  Responsible for generating receipt for accuracy, completeness, and compliance and send/route for approval to OSV and within Workday.

  • Support timely invoice processing and payment by resolving exceptions promptly.

• Monthly Internal Billbacks

  • Own the monthly internal billback process, including breakdown including JPI entity/vendor/cost code.  Working with the development team to gain approval of allocation in a timely manner.

• Process Improvement and Controls

  • Adhere to internal controls and approval authority requirements.

  • Identify opportunities to improve efficiency, accuracy, and consistency in soft cost and procurement-related processes.

Non-essential Functions & Responsibilities

• Maintain the annual budget planning process as needed.

• Other duties as assigned.

Education, Work Experience, & Physical Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration or related field.

• 3-5 years experience in a business or professional setting (inclusive of non-profit or government roles).

• Proven experience in an accounting role or similar position.

• Professional knowledge of all service areas and equivalent business acumen is required. 

• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail. 

• Highly proficient in using business software and tools, including MS Office and project management applications.

• Highly self-motivated with a keen attention to detail.

• Adaptable and flexible in a fast-paced environment.

• Demonstrates integrity and upholds organizational values.

• Ability to handle confidential information with discretion.

• Exercise sound judgment and problem-solving skills when making decisions    

• Highly motivated self-started works effectively with minimal direction.  

• Exceptional communication skills both verbal and written.  

• Can-do, proactive, and resourceful attitude. 

Why work for us?
 

We have a 35-year track record of developing multifamily communities with responsibility, accountability, and integrity.  Our stated purpose is to:

• Transform Building

• Enhance Communities

• Improve Lives

 

JPI has an ambitious and exciting vision for how we will achieve this, which makes for a positive and dynamic work environment, with many opportunities for personal development and growth.  As well as our highly competitive offering of compensation and benefits, we are committed to:

• Transformative careers in a transformative company

• Comprehensive training and development

• Promotion from within at all levels of the organization

• Borderless Careers, based on performance, potential, and personal ambition

Industry Recognition

• NMHC - #1 Fastest Growing Developer; #2 Fastest Growing Building; #8 Largest National Developer; # 11 Largest National Builder

• Real Page – Most active multifamily developer in DFW for the past 8 years

• Dallas Business Journal Best Places to Work – 2023

• Dallas Business Journal – Largest DFW Real Estate Developers - #11

JPI offers associates a comprehensive benefits package with competitive salaries and more, including:

• Competitive Bonus Program

• 4 Weeks PTO for All New Associates (Pro-Rated by Hire Date)

• 11 Holidays and 8 Early Release Days

• Medical, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance

• 401(k) with Company Match (Up to 5% Match)

• Health Savings Account

• Flexible Spending Accounts (Dependent & Medical Reimbursement)

• Paid Parental Leave

• Paid Volunteer Time

• Tuition Assistance

• Phone Reimbursement

• Associate Referral Bonuses